As we approach the anniversary of the Beechcraft Baron’s first flight, we take a look back at the twin-engine piston aircraft over the years.
**The early Baron 55-series models were outfitted with 260 hp (194 kW) Continental IO-470 engines, which provided enough muscle to achieve a cruise speed of 190 knots.
****The B55 Baron boasted exceptional rate of climb and hauling capacity compared to its single-engine stablemate, the Bonanza. ****The Beechcraft Baron B55 (1981) featured a large baggage door with a lot of capacity in terms both of room and weight. Still,the club-seating B58 Baron would prove a popular alternative. **Introduced in 1970 was the Baron E55, as shown in the background with a B55 in the foreground. The E55 went from four to six seats. It also incorporated a new paint scheme and interior design, along with improved avionics and panel.****From the Baron 55, the Baron 58** was developed. The aircraft introduced club seating, double aft baggage doors and new gross weight of 5,400lbs. It immediately became the best selling twin and remains in production today. ****Raytheon Aircraft’s first Beech Baron 58 Jaguar Special Edition, developed in conjunction with Jaguar’s designers. The limited edition offering quickly sold out. **November 5, 2009 marked the 50th anniversary Beechcraft Baron. The limited edition G58 incorporated elegant interior design features and amenities, including four different choices of paint schemes and high performance Hartzell Scimitar propellers.The Beechcraft Baron G58 introduced Garmin G1000 glass cockpit avionics. The aircraft were renamed to Beechcraft Baron G58 in 2005.Photo credit: Joe Osciak
